Rock Candy

The Southern Table is set

Southern Table, Margie Raimondo’s new “meant to be shared” eatery at 323 Cross St., the former home of Kent Walker Artisan Cheese, is open, with a limited menu of cheese and meat boards.

The restaurant, which had a soft opening Monday, will celebrate its grand opening Sept. 20, when the full menu will be available. Until then, Raimondo will test out portions of the menu. She’s tailoring her cheese and meat boards to party size and offering two choices: a board with three cheeses and various bites, and another with three cheeses, three meats and various bites. Raimondo’s bites include pickles and preserves of her own making, olive tapenade, nut mixtures she spices, and fresh fruit. “It’s just like coming to my house for a Sunday afternoon meal,” she said. Next week, Raimondo will introduce various bruschetta choices.

Southern Table serves local beer and Raimondo Winery wine, which she brought to Mountain Home from California, and other labels. Local beers on tap are from Lost Forty, Flyway and Diamond Bear. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Southern Table is also doing “quite a bit” of catering, Raimondo said.